How to Make Your CV ATS-Compliant
It scans, ranks, and filters before a recruiter ever sees it.
If your CV isn’t ATS-friendly, it may never be read, no matter how qualified you are.
1. Use a Simple, Clean Format
ATS struggles with design.
Avoid tables, text boxes, icons, and graphics
Use a single-column layout
Stick to standard fonts (Calibri, Arial, Times New Roman, Georgia)
Use clear headings
Simple beats fancy. Always.
2. Use the Right Keywords
ATS scans for keywords from the job description.
Skills
Job titles
Tools
Certifications
👉 Match the language in the job description naturally in your CV.
3. Use Standard Section Headings
ATS understands common headings better.
Use:
Professional Summary
Work Experience
Education
Avoid creative headings like “What I Bring to the Table”.
4. Write Achievements, Not Duties
ATS and recruiters both score impact. Instead of:
“Responsible for managing projects”
“Managed 5+ projects, delivering 100% on time and within budget”
Numbers improve ranking and readability.
5. Save in the Right Format
Best options: PDF (text-based) or .docx
Avoid image-based PDFs
If the text can’t be highlighted, ATS can’t read it.
6. Avoid Headers, Footers & Symbols
ATS may ignore:
Information in headers/footers
Symbols, emojis, and special characters
Keep important details in the main body.
7. Tailor Your CV for Every Role
One CV for 50 jobs rarely works.
Adjust keywords
Reorder skills
Align your summary with the role
Tailoring increases ATS score dramatically.
👉Final Truth
ATS compliance doesn’t guarantee a job,
but non-compliance almost guarantees rejection.
Your CV must first pass the machine
before it can impress the human.
No interview invitation in the last 5 weeks?
Let’s help you fix that CV and get you noticed. Email your CV to cv@oyk.co.ke with subject 'Revamp'.